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Networking & Security

​We live in an age of information. Now, with many devices communicating with each other over wired, wireless, or cellular networks, network security is an important concept. The term network security refers to protecting your digital assets (computer systems, programs, and information) from intrusion, destruction, theft, modification, or misuse. Network security can be made up of hardware devices, specialized software, physical security (i.e. locked computer rooms), and rules for people to follow. Just like securing your home, a network security system must protect against threats coming in from the outside and also deal with intruders if they make it inside.

People interested in IT networking and security are known for their complex problem-solving abilities and creative minds. You’ll be spending a fair amount of time working with an IT team, so employers will be looking for evidence of strong oral and communication skills. You'll need to break down complex concepts for all levels of an organization, so the ability to communicate clearly is essential. Additionally, a strong interest in big picture strategizing is important, as you may be asked to investigate industry best policy practices and incorporate them into your own company’s training and policies.

Hard skills include:

  • IDS/IPS, penetration and vulnerability testing
  • Firewall and intrusion detection/prevention protocols
  • Secure coding practices, ethical hacking and threat modeling
  • Windows, UNIX and Linux operating systems
  • Virtualization technologies
  • MySQL/MSSQL database platforms
  • Identity and access management principles
  • Application security and encryption technologies
  • Secure network architectures
  • Subnetting, DNS, encryption technologies and standards, VPNs, VLANs, VoIP and other network routing methods
  • Network and web related protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, UDP, IPSEC, HTTP, HTTPS, routing protocols, etc.)
  • Advanced Persistent Threats (APT), phishing and social engineering, network access controllers (NAC), gateway anti-malware and enhanced authentication

Some sample job titles:

  • Network Security Administrator
  • Web Developer
  • Computer Forensics Analyst
  • Information Security Engineer 
Learn more about cybersecurity trends and topics: